激

jī

敫 + 氵

Definitions

jī (verb) to arouse; to stimulate; to excite

jī (adjective) fierce; intense

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 敫 represents the sound.

Semantic: 氵 Phonetic: 敫

About

The character 激 is a phono-semantic compound: the water radical 氵 on the left suggests liquid or flowing currents, while 敫 on the right indicates the sound. Its original meaning described water crashing forcefully against rocks, creating splashes, turbulence, and rapid currents. This vivid image of surging water was later extended metaphorically to human emotions, and the character's primary use shifted to mean 'to stimulate, arouse, or incite strong feelings.' It is now widely applied to anything fierce, intense, drastic, or highly emotional, in both physical and abstract situations.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我非常激动。

Wǒ fēicháng jīdòng.

I am very excited.

这场比赛很激烈。

Zhè chǎng bǐsài hěn jīliè.

This match is very intense.

父母经常激励我。

Fùmǔ jīngcháng jīlì wǒ.

My parents often encourage me.

这个故事激发了勇气。

Zhège gùshì jīfāle yǒngqì.

This story inspired courage.

不要激怒你的朋友。

Bùyào jīnù nǐ de péngyǒu.

Don't anger your friends.

激光用于医疗领域。

Jīguāng yòng yú yīliáo lǐngyù.

Lasers are used in the medical field.

激流冲刷着岩石。

Jīliú chōngshuāzhe yánshí.

The rapids wash against the rocks.

她满怀激情地歌唱。

Tā mǎn huái jīqíng de gēchàng.

She sings with full passion.

Related Characters

Component: 敫

Component: 氵

激